Side-loading connectors for intravascular devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Intravascular guidewires with electronic components face challenges such as limited space for conductors, stiffness, and fragility, leading to reduced performance and maneuverability, making it difficult to accurately locate and treat stenosis in blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A flexible intravascular system with a connector design that includes a movable connection piece and a bias element to securely couple electronic components, allowing for easy insertion and reliable electrical connection, reducing the risk of kinking and improving handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are added to guidewires to improve measurement and treatment capabilities, then functional capability is improved, but device complexity increases and handling performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guidewire is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible distal portion with electronic components for intravascular measurements, and a separate proximal connector portion for external connections. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the distal portion for flexibility and the proximal portion for connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal connector portion is extracted as a separable component from the distal guidewire portion. This allows the connector to be removed when not needed, reducing complexity and improving handling during procedures, while the electronic components remain integrated in the distal portion where they are needed for measurements.
2Reliability
If a proximal connector is attached to the guidewire to enable external connections, then electrical connection capability is improved, but maneuverability and handling performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal connector is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be attached when electrical connections are needed and detached when maneuverability is prioritized. The connector includes engagement features that provide secure electrical connection when attached, but allow easy removal to restore full guidewire flexibility and handling capabilities.
3Shape
If the proximal connector portion is made small to maintain guidewire flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but the connector becomes fragile and prone to kinking
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the guidewire have different structural qualities optimized for their specific functions. The distal portion maintains high flexibility with a small diameter suitable for vascular navigation, while the proximal connector portion incorporates structural reinforcements and protective features specifically where needed to prevent kinking and damage during connection and handling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated for conductors and electronic components in the guidewire core, then functional capability is improved, but the remaining space for the core wire is reduced, affecting mechanical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic components and conductors are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the guidewire structure. Multiple conductors are bundled together and positioned strategically around the core wire, utilizing available radial and longitudinal space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows adequate space for both the core wire mechanical function and the electronic components without compromising either.
Data Source
AI summary
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, side-loading electrical connectors for use with intravascular devices are provided. The side-loading electrical connector has at least one electrical contact configured to interface with an electrical connector of the intravascular device. A first connection piece of the side-loading electrical connector is movable relative to a second connection piece between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position an elongated opening is formed between the first and second connection pieces to facilitate insertion of the electrical connector between the first and second connection pieces in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intravascular device and wherein in the closed position the at least one electrical contact is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical connector received between the first and second connection pieces.